QASWA – Camel Milk Ice Cream in Pakistan
QASWA Camel Milk Ice Cream is Pakistan’s first camel milk-based ice cream, launched in the Lasbela District of Balochistan. This tasty product is not only healthy but also presents a new way to use a natural resource that benefits both consumers and rural farmers. Balochistan has a tradition of camel rearing, and camel milk is the primary product. But on the other hand, there is no marketing of this product due to local customs and traditions. Camel Milk Value Addition in the form of camel milk ice will open new business avenues for the area.
Nutritional Value of Camel Milk
Camel milk is famous for its nutritional value and unique characteristics. It contains more iron and vitamin C than cow’s milk. It is rich in calcium and is naturally low in lactose. This milk is easier to digest. Camel milk also has special proteins and antibodies that help boost immunity, fight infections, and manage conditions like diabetes, hepatitis, and autism. Studies worldwide support its benefits for skin, digestion, and even mental health.
Camel milk is also considered a healing drink. In traditional medicine and many cultures, camel milk is used to treat chronic illnesses.
The Untapped Potential of Camel Milk in Balochistan
Balochistan is called the “Camel Capital of Pakistan” as it holds 41% of the country’s total camel population. Camels are well-suited to the harsh climate of the region and can produce milk even in drought conditions. But on the other hand, this significant potential remains untapped. The milk is rarely sold in markets, and most of it goes to waste. Reasons include cultural values and unfamiliar taste of this milk. Consequently, pastoral camel farmers, who live in some of the most underdeveloped areas, earn almost nothing from this valuable resource.
QASWA Camel Milk Ice Cream
QASWA team developed an innovative product: camel milk ice cream. By turning camel milk into a familiar and enjoyable form, ice cream, they found a way to overcome the taste barrier and attract the general public.
QASWA Camel Milk Ice Cream is made from pure, organic camel milk collected directly from pastoral communities in Lasbela. This milk is not processed in factories or mixed with preservatives. It retains all its natural health benefits while becoming a smooth, creamy dessert that everyone can enjoy.
The ice cream is available in nine exciting flavors, including pistachio, strawberry, blueberry, mango, vanilla, kulfa, chocolate, pineapple, and banana. These flavors make camel milk more appealing, especially for children and young people aged 10 to 30.
QASWA Camel Milk Ice Cream – a Unique Product
QASWA is Pakistan’s first camel milk ice cream, and it is completely different from regular cow milk ice creams available in the market. It has more nutritional value and fewer digestibility problems.
Another brand, Camelicious from the UAE, also makes camel milk ice cream. However, unlike Camelicious, QASWA uses camel milk collected from pastoral and organic sources. This creates a unique identity for QASWA — a healthy product that supports local farmers and encourages responsible consumption.
National Recognition and Government Support
QASWA’s innovative idea gained recognition at the national level. In 2023, the startup won the Prime Minister’s National Innovation Award, Pakistan’s largest youth-led business competition. As part of the award, QASWA received PKR 0.5 million in cash and an extra PKR 1 million grant for business development.
This funding allowed the team to buy machinery and open their first retail outlet, called QASWA Hut, located on the main RCD Road in Uthal, Lasbela. From this location, the team sells fresh camel milk ice cream directly to the public and raises awareness about its health benefits.
World Camel Day and Its History
Who is Benefiting from QASWA?
Camel farmers in Balochistan are among the biggest winners. For the first time, they have a steady market for their camel milk, leading to better income and improved living standards. This is helping reduce poverty in remote areas with few job opportunities.
Young people and families also prosper. With an increasing number of health-conscious consumers, QASWA ice cream provides a new kind of dessert, one that is tasty, exciting, and good for the body.
The business is also creating jobs for youth. From milk collection and transportation to ice cream making, packaging, and marketing, the entire supply chain offers chances for employment and entrepreneurship.
The Future of Camel Milk Ice Cream in Pakistan
QASWA’s success shows that camel milk products have significant commercial potential in Pakistan and beyond. As interest in functional foods and natural health products grows, camel milk ice cream could become a major product in both local and international markets.
QASWA plans to expand its network and bring camel milk ice cream to more cities. With proper support, it could even become an export product, representing Pakistan’s unique dairy innovation on the global stage.
The Team of Qaswa Camel Milk Ice Cream
Founder: Swera Khan
Co Founder: Sadia Khan
Finance Manager: Zarnain Malik
Product Technical Manager: Sana Mukthar
Social/Farmer Mobilizer: Saad Younus
Marketing Manger: Biburg
Mentor/Research Founder: Prof. Dr. Illahi Bakhsh Marghazani
Contact for Qaswa Camel Milk and its Franchise
This ice cream is available in Uthal Lasbela District at QASWA Hut. It is located on the main RCD Road in Uthal. New outlets are expected to open soon in other cities including Karachi, allowing more people to enjoy this healthy and delicious dessert.
Cell: 03350394363/ 03337896071
